The music keeps on playing - virtually
While people are staying at home, Liverpool Cathedral’s music team have found creative ways to continue choir rehearsals and music lessons virtually.
While people are staying at home, Liverpool Cathedral’s music team have found creative ways to continue choir rehearsals and music lessons virtually.
Stephen Mannings, Director of Choral Outreach said,
“Like lots of other people and organisations, we’ve had to adapt quickly to the lockdown situation. We wanted to carry on functioning even while we have to keep our distance physically and we’re not able to meet face-to-face, so we’ve been exploring how we can do that virtually.”
Children from Liverpool Cathedral’s Junior Choir receive weekly video podcast rehearsals. Children (and indeed anyone in the home) can learn the songs they’re going to be rehearsing. A ‘pet section’ is now also part of the rehearsal timetable, where the children showcase their beloved pets as well as their singing skills.
The Cathedral’s auxiliary choir for adults, Liverpool64, has members whose ages range from 18 to 90 with around 80 members. Over 60 of the choir are involved in regular digital meet-ups to rehearse on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. On top of singing practice, the choir send in recordings of themselves singing separately so that the music team can edit them and put them together using new software. The choir also has a weekly games night, so they can enjoy some social time together.
Administrator of Music and Liturgy, Dr Chris Newton has turned online guitar guru for pupils undertaking musical instrumental lessons both in group and one-on-one formats. Also on offer are tutorials for piano, ukulele and violin.
Run in partnership with ‘Music in Unison’ music classes for under-fives have also gone online. You’ll find short videos online, where parents and carers can use household items to make music with their babies and toddlers. Daily five-minute sessions lead to a longer session on Fridays. Parents can access these via YouTube, Facebook Live and Instagram.
“What we’re doing goes beyond music, giving us all a sense of purpose and a rhythm to our lives. It’s the chance to keep in touch, helping us keep mentally healthy and keeping us safe at home.”
Thank you to the Allchurches Trust for their support across our Education and Outreach programmes.